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Drug interactions

Dutasteride-tamsulosin + Ketoconazole

Severity: Major

Dutasteride-tamsulosin and Ketoconazole: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Ketoconazole strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and markedly raises tamsulosin exposure. Dutasteride levels may also rise, and hypotension and syncope risk increases.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dutasteride-tamsulosin and Ketoconazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Dutasteride-tamsulosin belongs to Genitourinary; Ketoconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces tamsulosin and dutasteride clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination and choose an alternative antifungal or alpha-blocker. If unavoidable, monitor blood pressure closely.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dutasteride-tamsulosin with Ketoconazole?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dutasteride-tamsulosin and Ketoconazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ketoconazole strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and markedly raises tamsulosin exposure. Dutasteride levels may also rise, and hypotension and syncope risk increases.

How serious is the interaction between Dutasteride-tamsulosin and Ketoconazole?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose an alternative antifungal or alpha-blocker. If unavoidable, monitor blood pressure closely.

What other medicines interact with Dutasteride-tamsulosin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Dutasteride-tamsulosin with, for example, Alfuzosin, Amifostine, Atazanavir. The full list is on the Dutasteride-tamsulosin page.

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